The Beginner’s Guide to Duck Calls: What You Need to Know

Whether you're new to waterfowl hunting or just curious about the sounds echoing over marshes at dawn, learning to use a duck call is one of the most rewarding skills a hunter can master. A well-timed, realistic duck call can make the difference between a quiet morning and a successful harvest. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry — this beginner’s guide to duck calls covers everything you need to know to get started.

What Is a Duck Call?

A duck call is a small instrument, usually made of wood, acrylic, or polycarbonate, that hunters blow into to imitate the sounds of ducks. These sounds are used to attract waterfowl by mimicking everything from feeding chatter to mating calls.

Types of Duck Calls

There are several types of duck calls, each designed for a specific purpose or duck species. As a beginner, here are the two main ones you should know:

• Single Reed Call: Produces a louder, more realistic sound, but takes more skill to control. Great for open water and windy conditions.

• Double Reed Call: Easier to use and ideal for beginners. Offers a raspier, more forgiving tone, especially in timber or marsh settings.

Materials Matter

Duck calls come in different materials, and each affects sound and durability:

• Wood Calls: Warm, rich sound. Best for calm, close-range calling. Requires maintenance.

• Acrylic Calls: Loud, sharp tones. Great for long-distance calling. Durable but often more expensive.

• Polycarbonate Calls: Budget-friendly, decent sound quality, good for beginners.

Basic Duck Calls Every Beginner Should Learn

1. Quack – The foundation of all duck calling. Learn this one first.

2. Feeding Chuckle – Mimics ducks feeding and feeling safe.

3. Hail Call – A loud series of quacks to attract ducks from a distance.

4. Comeback Call – Used when ducks fly off to bring them back.

You can find plenty of video tutorials online to help practice your tone and rhythm.

Tips for Practicing

• Practice in short bursts — over-calling can do more harm than good.

• Use a duck call lanyard to keep your calls organized and accessible.

• Record yourself and compare your sound to real duck audio clips.

• Don’t practice in the blind! Learn the basics at home or in the off-season.

Why a Good Duck Call Matters

A well-made duck call is more than just a tool — it’s part of your hunting identity. Handmade or custom duck calls often offer better sound quality, unique aesthetics, and the satisfaction of supporting small makers or local artisans.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the duck call takes time, patience, and a little lung power — but once you get the hang of it, the payoff is huge. Start simple, practice often, and upgrade your gear as your skills improve. Whether you’re hunting flooded timber or wide-open lakes, a good duck call will become one of your most trusted tools in the field.

Ready to find your first duck call? Check out our handmade, field-tested designs built for beginners and pros alike.